Girls water polo at San Benito High School has had its share of
success the past two years with an outright Monterey Bay League
championship in 2001 and a co-Tri-County Athletic League title in
2002.
And Baler head coach Derek Kisling, who begins his sixth year,
knows the the team has raised the bar.
Girls water polo at San Benito High School has had its share of success the past two years with an outright Monterey Bay League championship in 2001 and a co-Tri-County Athletic League title in 2002.
And Baler head coach Derek Kisling, who begins his sixth year, knows the the team has raised the bar.
“The standard has been set the past two years,” said Kisling. “We’re the team to beat now. Everyone would love to beat us and they get fired up for us. We beat Live Oak in our pool and they had reason to get motivated to play us and they beat us in the championship game.”
Kisling lost just two players off last year’s team, two good ones in Britta Nordstrom and Janelle Brandon.
“I told my returning players that they were an integral part of all our wins last season,” said Kisling. “They’ve proven themselves.”
Kisling feels the T-CAL will be balanced with Live Oak, Santa Catalina and the Balers fighting it out for first place. The Acorns should have the best offensive player returning in sophomore Ronnie Gautschi.
“Santa Catalina always plays as a team, and I emphasize team,” said Kisling. “Sometimes it’s easier to shut down one individual player. Live Oak will be good, but I don’t know much about them except for Gautschi.”
While Kisling and junior varsity coach Steve Smith have 26 to 28 players still competiting for varsity and JV spots, Kisling wouldn’t commit listing too many starters. One constant is at the most important position and that’s senior Erin Reed in goal. Reed had an outstanding season last year after taking over for Brandon, who was switched to field player.
Jenna DeCoite looks to be the main source of offense at the 2-meter, while senior Stacey Lass, a fine swimmer, will be counted on for leadership.
“It’s those girls turn,” said Kisling.
The Balers don’t mess around getting started. They are at Gilroy for their first T-CAL game on Sep. 3. The first home game is Sep. 10 vs. Santa Catalina. The T-CAL tourney is Nov. 5 and 7.
2003 Baler girls water polo schedule: Sep. 3 at Gilroy; Sep. 4-5 at Clovis East-West Showdown; Sep. 10 Santa Catalina; Sep. 18 at Salinas; Sep. 19-20 at Valley Christian Classic; Sep. 26-27 at Independence Tournament; Oct. 2-3 hosting H2Oktoberfest Tournament; Oct. 8 Monterey; Oct. 14 Carmel; Oct. 22 at Live Oak; Oct. 28 Notre Dame; Nov. 5 and 7 at T-CAL’s
